STUDIES ON THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA-ALCOHOL EXTRACT ON IRON-INDUCED LIPID-PEROXIDATION

This report investigates the antioxidant property of Strychnos nux vom ica Linn. alcohol extract on FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro . The results have been compared to those of vitamin E, parabenzoquino ne, Tris, mannitol and EDTA. Tris and mannitol, the standard hydroxyl trappers failed to block this process. Interestingly EDTA, a strong me tal chelator, significantly blocks the process of lipid peroxidation. S. nux vomica inhibits the lipid peroxidation in the dose dependent ma nner. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was reversed by adding high concentration of Fe2+. This suggests the mechanism of action of S. nu x vomica through the chelation of Fe++/Fe+++ ion in the system and not by trapping the hydroxyl radicals. This extract significantly maintai ns the hepatic glutathione content also in the time and dose dependent manner even in the presence of FeSO4, which is not the case with EDTA . It also inhibits the process of lipid peroxidation once induced.